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Isabella gazed about the secret room “How could I not knoas here? Surely the servants are aware” She visibly shivered “Oh, and to think so host”

Feeling a ht of watching her bathe, he shook the vision from his head

She appeared forlorn, her expression one of hopelessness Tristan stepped towards her, took hold of her chin and forced her to look at hiined horrors But only the truth can free you froe that we are ress, that ill uncover every dastardly plot so you may live in peace and comfort”

Isabella smiled weakly as she placed her hand over his “Thank you, Tristan Thank you for co you wanted to do”

Being with Isabella was the only thing he had ever wanted “Our investigation is far from over I aer”

“There is nothing sufferable about spending time with you,” she said in a tone that made the hairs at his nape jump to attention “I enjoy your company I always have”

He felt the fa in his abdomen Love and lust coursed

through his veins For the first time in years, he did not want to hear the truth fro bound to her was all he lived for He did not care what her reasons were forLord Fernall

One way or another, he would find a way to ain

Chapter 10

The at room thrummed with palpable tension

Isabella sat with her spine straight, her chin raised, her mouth stretched thin as she stared at her servants’ solemn faces They stood in a line, their hands held in front of the the impression they would be shot if they so much as blinked or breathed

She glanced at Tristan standing in front of the fire with his hands clasped behind his back His curt nod gave her the confidence to continue

“Well, what have you to say?” When they failed to respond, she said, “Then I shall take your silence as an aduilt As you have declined the opportunity to offer an explanation, you s at once and leave this house immediately”

It was an idle threat The servants were in Henry’s e hiave her a little faith that they were all close to confessing